Black Cherry
Prunus serotina · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable. Good resistance to decay, though vulnerable to certain insect attacks.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight and uniform with a fine, smooth texture. May occasionally feature slight waviness.
Color & Appearance
Freshly cut heartwood is a light pinkish-brown that darkens significantly to a deep reddish-brown upon exposure to light and air. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable. Good resistance to decay, though vulnerable to certain insect attacks.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot for kiln-dried lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut log, estimated harvest age between 40 to 60 years based on diameter and ring count.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and not on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available and sustainably managed.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, paneling, flooring, musical instruments, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes very well, though prone to blotching with certain stains due to its fine pores.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to oil finishes, varnishes, and lacquers. Pre-stain conditioner or gel stains are recommended to achieve even coloration.
Notable Features
Known for its rich, warm patina that develops with age and exposure to sunlight. Possesses a pleasant, faint, distinctively sweet scent when freshly worked.
